Florida International University admits approximately 58.8% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 5 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places FIU in the Moderately Selective category, making it more accessible than highly competitive institutions while maintaining academic standards. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% indicates that FIU is more selective than typical four-year public universities, requiring stronger academic preparation than many comparable institutions. With nearly 60% acceptance, qualified students have reasonable admission prospects, though the university does evaluate applications holistically rather than operating with open enrollment. Students should view FIU as a realistic option if their academic credentials align with admitted student profiles, while still preparing a balanced college list that includes institutions with higher acceptance rates. The moderate selectivity allows FIU to enroll academically prepared students while maintaining its commitment to access and diversity. For students seeking a large public research university with strong career outcomes, FIU's admission rate provides a favorable balance of accessibility and academic rigor. Applicants should focus on demonstrating academic readiness through coursework, grades, and standardized test performance while highlighting experiences that align with the university's diverse, urban mission.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at FIU typically present strong academic credentials reflecting the university's moderately selective standards. SAT scores for enrolled students range from 1060 to 1250, with a median of 1154, indicating most admitted students score within this band. The SAT Math range spans 510 to 610, while Verbal scores range from 550 to 640, showing balanced preparation across both sections. ACT scores range from 20 to 26 with a median of 24, providing multiple pathways for demonstrating academic readiness. These test score ranges place FIU at the 92nd percentile among four-year institutions, indicating strong academic preparation among the student body despite the university's commitment to access. Compared to peer institutions, FIU's SAT median of 1154 falls 44 points below the peer median of 1198, reflecting the university's focus on enrolling diverse student populations including first-generation and Pell-eligible students who may have had fewer test preparation advantages. Students scoring within the 1060-1250 SAT range or 20-26 ACT range demonstrate competitive academic preparation for admission. Those scoring below the 25th percentile should still consider applying, as FIU evaluates applications holistically and 25% of enrolled students score below these thresholds. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with this range when building their college list and preparing their applications.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
FIU enrolls a notably diverse student body reflecting the university's commitment to educational access and Miami's multicultural population. The university enrolls 40.4% Pell-eligible students, indicating substantial representation of students from lower-income families, well above national averages for four-year institutions. First-generation students comprise 41.4% of enrollment, demonstrating FIU's success in serving students whose parents did not complete college degrees. Transfer students represent an exceptional 64.2% of enrollment, making FIU particularly welcoming to students beginning their higher education journey at community colleges or other institutions. This high transfer share reflects the university's role in the Florida public education system and its mission to provide accessible pathways to bachelor's degrees. The substantial representation of Pell-eligible, first-generation, and transfer students indicates that FIU actively enrolls students from diverse economic and educational backgrounds rather than focusing primarily on traditional college-bound high school graduates. This composition suggests the university values life experience, academic motivation, and potential for growth alongside traditional academic metrics. Students from these backgrounds should recognize that they will find substantial peer communities at FIU, with institutional support systems designed for diverse student needs and circumstances.
While FIU's 58.8% acceptance rate provides reasonable admission prospects for qualified students, building a balanced college list remains important for strategic planning and peace of mind.
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Students who enroll at FIU demonstrate strong persistence and completion outcomes across diverse backgrounds. The university maintains a 91.6% freshman retention rate, exceeding the peer median of 83.7% and indicating effective student support systems and campus engagement. Six-year graduation rates reach 73.9%, compared to a peer median of 65.8%, showing above-average degree completion performance. Notably, Pell-eligible students graduate at a 55.1% rate, creating an 18.8 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate. While this gap indicates challenges for lower-income students, FIU's overall Pell completion rate exceeds many institutions with similar student demographics, demonstrating meaningful support for economic mobility. The high retention rate suggests that students who gain admission typically find FIU's academic environment and support services effective for their educational goals. Strong completion rates relative to peer institutions indicate that FIU successfully supports diverse student populations through degree attainment. Students considering FIU should view these retention and completion rates as positive indicators of institutional effectiveness, while understanding that success requires engagement with available academic and student support resources. The gap in Pell completion suggests that lower-income students may need to be particularly proactive in utilizing support services and financial aid resources.
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